Apple is making a major U-turn with CarPlay after a decade of not allowing video playback. Starting with iOS 26, Apple will allow apps to display video through the CarPlay screen while parked. Support, however, is a big question mark for now.
The new capability falls under the name ‘video in the car’ and is mentioned on Apple’s developer website for CarPlay:
AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren’t driving. Integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to enable this feature in your car.
Apple points developers and automakers interested in making and supporting CarPlay apps with video playback to learn more:
If you are interested in supporting CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra, AirPlay video, or car keys in your vehicle system, learn more about the MFi Program.
Back in April, a third-party app managed to get a CarPlay web browser with video playback through App Store review, but the feature was later removed.
Starting this fall, video playback while parked will be officially allowed for the first time since CarPlay arrived.
Ok, now what about pinch to zoom so drivers aren’t distracted by navigating the maze of buttons to simply zoom the map a little?
Don’t expect support to be universal, however, as each automaker will control whether or not to allow the AirPlay video in the car feature to work.
It’s also important to note that we shouldn’t expect to see video playback work during the iOS 26 developer/public beta period. It’s unclear if we’ll actually see video playback anytime soon, even after iOS 26 is officially released in September, since support requires explicit automaker support. We’ll be sure to provide additional coverage as soon as automakers start adopting support.
Apple is also improving CarPlay in iOS 26 with redesigned icons and appearance options, widget support, and updates to Music, Messages, and more.
Originally published June 12, 2025. Updated with note about availability expectations on August 13, 2025.
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Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.

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